(TibetanReview.net, Feb10, 2015) – China not only does not like its leaders being criticized or lampooned but also severely punishes those who test the leaders’ sense of tolerance. Recently, authorities in the southern city of Shenzhen seized about 8,000 rolls of toilet paper and another 20,000 packages of tissues containing unflattering images of Hong Kong’s chief executive Leung Chun-ying. And the owner of the factory which manufactured the seized goods was reported missing.

Mr Leung whose “election” as the head of the government of this Special Administrative Region was orchestrated by Beijing Hong is reviled by those campaigning for a fully democratic election. The goods, seized on Feb 6, contained cartoonish images of Mr Leung with fangs, or with the word “lying” on his forehead. The sickle and hammer symbol of the Communist Party of China also appeared on some of the products, said channel4.com Feb 8. BBC noted that “products mocking him have sold well in recent years.”

The order for the seized items was given by the Hong Kong Democratic Party which hoped to sell them as a part of New Year celebrations to generate fund for their movement.

Lo Kin-hei, the party’s vice chairman, has said 4,000 rolls of similar toilet tissue sold out at last year’s seasonal market, and the party had decided to order more this year from a factory in Shenzhen.

While no reason was given for the seizure of the goods, Lo has speculated that Chinese authorities “don’t like people mocking government officials, especially high-ranking government officials, after the movement”.

Mr Lo had declined to reveal the name of the owner of the factory where the products were made while expressing concern for his safety as he had disappeared.